“It’s a love letter to the power of imagination and creation”: Joshua A Waters and Madeleine Morris on Witch Hat Atelier

Of magic, mysterious mentors and the beauty of creativity, Witch Hat Atelier is a fascinating new series streaming on Crunchyroll, following the adventures of a young girl, Coco, as she strives to become a witch. She is joined by fellow students, such as Agott, whose initial relationship with the protagonist is riddled with friction and uncertainty. Then there’s her teacher, Qifrey, whose kindness strongly contrasts with the darker, more sinister aspects of his character and motivations. The anime boasts a colourful world that resonates with its celebration of imagination and art. Yet, behind the stunning visuals and alluring animation, Witch Hat Atelier tells a human story of perseverance, complex friendships between young girls and multifaceted individuals who blur the line between good and bad.

The Upcoming caught up with two of its voice actors, Joshua A Waters, who takes on the role of Qifrey, and Madeleine Morris, who plays Agott. The pair spoke about the appeal of the series, particularly its focus on art, imagination and creativity. Waters explained his love for the story long before the anime adaptation and described it as a great honour to help Witch Hat Atelier reach a wider audience through its English version. Morris, meanwhile, initially avoided watching the series for fear of falling in love with it and being left heartbroken if she never had the chance to be involved in the voice acting process. The two also dove deep into their characters. Waters highlighted the balance required to convey the juxtaposition within Qifrey – his sincerity and the character’s darker edges. Morris reflected on the relationship between Coco and Agott, as well as her favourite aspects of portraying their evolving dynamic.